In a major boost to the state’s horticultural sector, the Maharana Pratap Horticultural University (MHU), Karnal, has officially introduced 7 new varieties of spices and vegetable crops. These varieties, developed after years of rigorous research and field trials, were unveiled during a special session at the university to help farmers enhance productivity and adapt to changing climatic conditions.
The New Varieties The newly released varieties include a mix of essential spices and commonly consumed vegetables, specifically engineered for the soil and weather conditions of Haryana and neighboring states.
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Spice Varieties: The university has introduced improved versions of [Spice 1 – e.g., Fenugreek/Coriander] and [Spice 2], which are noted for their higher essential oil content and shorter maturation periods.
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Vegetable Crops: Among the vegetables, new varieties of [Vegetable 1 – e.g., Tomato/Chilli] and [Vegetable 2] have been launched. These are designed to be “climate-smart,” offering significant resistance to common pests and viral diseases that typically plague local farmers during the peak season.
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Key Features: University scientists highlighted that these 7 varieties can increase yield by 15-20% compared to traditional seeds, while requiring fewer chemical pesticides due to their inherent disease-resistant traits.
Impact on Farmers The Vice-Chancellor of MHU stated that the distribution of these seeds will commence shortly through the university’s extension centers and government seed agencies. “Our goal is to diversify the crop pattern in Haryana. By shifting from traditional paddy-wheat cycles to high-value horticulture using these new varieties, farmers can significantly improve their net income,” he added.
Research Excellence The development of these varieties involved extensive multi-location trials to ensure they perform consistently across different agro-climatic zones of the state. The university is also planning to conduct training workshops for farmers on the specific cultivation techniques required to maximize the potential of these new seeds.
